Veteran freedom fighter Krishan Kant was yesterday sworn in as the nations tenth Vice-President at a colourful ceremony at the Rasthrapati Bhavan.
President K R Narayanan administered the oath of office to 70-year old Kant before a distinguished gathering which included Prime Minister I K Gujral, former President Shanker Dayal Sharma, five former Prime Ministers, members of the Union Cabinet and members of Parliament and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The 92-year old mother of Kant also watched her son assuming the second highest constitutional office of the country.
More From This Section
Among others present were, state governors, the presidents of the Congress and BJP, Sitaram Kesri and L K Advani, and Sonia Gandhi.
Soon after his arrival in the Ashoka Hall, Kant was warmly hugged by Kesri and Advani.
Kant was elected Vice-President on August 16, defeating Akali Dal-BJP sponsored candidate Surjit Singh Barnala by a sizeable margin in a straight contest.